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June 20, 2012 Obituaries

Cecil E. Benway, 84, of Glover died on June 10, 2012, in Newport.
He was born on February 3, 1928, in Newport, a son of Cecil and Nellie (Hartley) Benway. On June 30, 1973, he married Bonnie Peck who survives him.
Mr. Benway entered the United States Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged.
He was a truck driver for Pierce Leather in Raymond, New Hampshire. He moved from Raymond to Glover four years ago.
Among his hobbies, he enjoyed fishing, listening to country music, watching baseball and wrestling on television and putting puzzles together.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Benway of Glover; by his children: Stephen Lorimer of Barton, Deborah Smith of Irasburg, Shane Benway and his wife, Linda, of West Charleston, Brian Benway and his wife, Kelley, of Derby, and Bruce Lorimer of Barton; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Webb.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, at the Newport Center Cemetery with Pastor David Dizazzo officiating.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Jason Anthony Berard

Jason Anthony Berard, 28, died on May 28, 2012.

He was born on September 27, 1983, in Burlington to adoring parents Roger Ernest and Maria Dolores “Loli” Berard de Barquin.

He was baptized at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, New York, with his godparents Maria del Pilar Barquin Deraney and Pablo Barquin. He was an altar boy for the Holy Angels Church where he received his confirmation.

He joyfully attended the Hinesburg Community School and Champlain School Essential Early Education programs and the Munchkinland Montessori School in Swanton for preschool to kindergarten with his siblings. He was a proud graduate of the Saint Albans City Elementary School, a president’s award recipient, a Boy Scout, and band member playing the clarinet. As an aspiring athlete, he confidently raced on the St. Albans City Recreation Sharks swimming team and White’s Green Mountain Bikes team. He was a reliable paperboy for the St. Albans Messenger, riding his mountain bike through the hill section of the community neighborhoods. He served as a Vermont Youth Conservation Corp member for over four years and an Americorp VISTA volunteer for the American Red Cross. He loved spending his summers outdoors managing Vermont State Parks in Silver, Emerald and Elmore Lakes.

He was a 2002 graduate of the Bellows Free Academy High School in St. Albans where he pursued the Technology Connections career track at the Northwest Technical Center. He was a member of the cross-country team, Nordic skiing team, track and field team, and he was in the National Technical Honor Society and the National Honor Society. His passion was pole-vaulting under the tenacious guidance and expertise of his friend and coach, Bob Corey. Mr. Berard and his friends founded the first BFA Mountain Bike Club. Adventurous rides took them to uncharted trails together.

He proudly received his Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary engineering and management with certification for technical marketing and sales track from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, in 2007. He was a member of the varsity Nordic ski team. It was here that he also developed his passion for rowing with the Clarkson varsity crew team guided by his beloved coach, Boris Jukić and profoundly loyal teammates. He proudly joined the Professional Hispanic Engineers Society, celebrating his Cuban heritage.

Mr. Berard moved to Albany, New York, with his best friends from college. He accumulated an impressive resumé with Pace Analytical and Dynamic Systems Incorporated. His work included the Hudson River Superfund Clean Up. He took great pride with his analytical reports and a fun work environment. He valued being a member of the team that opened the first L.L. Bean Store in Albany. He tirelessly worked full-time and part time on weekends, always giving his all to do his best, always with a bright smile.

In 2011, he found his love and followed Megan Janke to Saint Louis, Missouri, where she pursues her doctorate at Washington University, researching a cure for leukemia. They shared an adventurous spirit for mountain biking, running, hiking and playing chess. Ms. Janke taught him how to roll a kayak and was devoted to his happiness. He was hired at FedEx Ground Saint Louis to begin work and “join the brotherhood” as he joked with his father, a 17-year veteran of FedEx Express.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on June 2. A private family committal will be held at the Mount Calvary Cemetery.

On Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, we lost an honest man, a kind and gentle soul, a lover of laughter with a courageous will, compassionate heart with a fearless love for life. That very same day, we gained a saint and archangel who has soared to the highest heights where Jason dreams big.

The Dream Big Memorial Fund has been created to fulfill Mr. Berard’s vision of “looking to positively impact a new environment,” support living in health and fighting debilitating conditions. His memorial will fully contribute to mountain bike programs at BFA, St. Albans City School and St. Albans Recreation Department along with a scholarship in his name for a BFA high school graduate pursuing engineering with ideals that mirror his spirit for the core values of his life. The designated nonprofit organization managing the Dream Big Memorial Fund is Franklin County Caring Communities, 67 Fairfield Street, St. Albans 05478.

Elmer J. Donovan

Elmer J. Donovan, 86, of Derby died on June 12, 2012, in Newport.

He was born on March 14, 1926, in Norton, a son of Henry and Blanche (Routhier) Donovan. On October 5, 1996, he married Madeleine Sage who survives him.

He entered the United Sates Army and served his country during World War II. During his lifetime, he was a machine tender for the Groveton-Wausau paper mill in Groveton, New Hampshire. Among his hobbies he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, the outdoors and going to camp with Phil Oaks. He held memberships with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798 and the American Legion Post #23, both of Newport.

He is survived by his wife Madeleine Donovan of Derby; his children: Richard Donovan and his wife, Berta, of Enfield, Connecticut, Janine Donovan of South Windsor, Connecticut, Kathleen Kelly and her husband, Edward, of West Simsbury, Connecticut, Sharlene Reeve and her husband, Daniel, of Conway, South Carolina, Chris Binette and his wife, Diane, of Beebe Plain, and Carol Binette and her husband, Larry, of Sarasota, Florida; his grandchildren: Andrew and his wife, Beth, Thomas Donovan, Dana, Natalie and Nathan Kelly, and Pamela and Eric Binette; a brother, Paul Donovan, and his wife, Armande, of Stratford, New Hampshire; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Cecile Breton, on June 18, 1993, whom he married in 1948. He was also predeceased by his parents; two brothers: Wilfred and Frank; and by a sister, Vivian Gadwah.

Funeral services were held on June 16 in Newport. Interment followed in Stratford, New Hampshire.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Derby Line Ambulance Service, care of Brian Fletcher, P.O. Box 105, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.

Frieda Neubauer Gibbs, 95, of Island Pond died peacefully in West Lafayette, Indiana, on June 6, 2012.

She was born on June 14, 1916, in Germany. She married Oscar Gibbs of Woodstock, who died in 1997. They lived in Woodstock for some 40 years. In the mid-1980s, they retired to Island Pond, the place Mrs. Gibbs treasured for the deep friendships she developed.

For many years she worked at the Mary Hitchcock and VA hospitals as an EEG and EKG technician, jobs in which she found great satisfaction.

But above all, she loved her family. She is survived by her daughter Inge Erickson of West Lafayette; her grandchildren: Cassandra Erickson and her partner, Jackie Weller, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Catherine Toon and her husband, Brian, of Colorado Springs; and by her great-grandchildren: Veronica, Rachel and Robert Toon.

She will be missed very much, but she rests in the loving comfort of the Lord.

Arrangements are pending.

Bertha E. Hart

Bertha E. Hart, 98, of North Troy died on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, in Newport.

She was born on September 27, 1913, in Coaticook, Quebec, a daughter of Joseph and Regina (Prive) Godin.

On May 17, 1932, she married Raymond M. Hart who predeceased her on April 11, 2001.

Mrs. Hart was always there for her family and friends, taking care of several of them during illness and also in their later years. She was well known for her baking abilities, making many, many wedding cakes, graduation cakes, and cakes for many other occasions. She worked in area restaurants for over 40 years. She loved her flower gardens and plants in her house, and had a great “green thumb.” She did some family traveling but basically loved her home and visiting with family and friends and she always enjoyed visitors.

She is survived by her children: Virginia “Ginny” Drown and her husband, Charles, of Newport Center, Gloria Vincent and her husband, Maurice, of North Troy, and a special son, John L. Perkins, and his wife, Pat, of Missouri; her grandchildren: Steven Vincent and his wife, Carmen, of Newport, Brian Vincent and his wife, Nicole, of Newport, Dennis Vincent and his wife, Sandra, of Troy, and Charles Drown Jr. and his wife, Sue, of Colorado, her granddaughter-in-law Cindy Vincent, Dan and Donna Hart, and Doug Hart, Sherry, Larry, and John Perkins II; her great-grandchildren: Nathan Vincent and his wife, Andrea, Elizabeth Vincent, Chad Vincent, Brooke Gosselin and her husband, Roger, Zachary Vincent, Seth, Jenna and Shanelle Vincent, Danielle and Matt Hall, John Wesley Hart, and Shannon Hart; her great-great-grandchildren: Maggie Sue, Jaxson, and Zoe Vincent, and Macey and Miley Hall; her brother Leo Godin of Orange, Massachusetts; and by numerous nieces and nephews, and her special sweet little nurse Melinda Royea. She was predeceased by a son, Raymond Max Hart, in 2009 and his wife, June, in 2005; her grandson Christopher Vincent in 2007; her two brothers: Henry and Albert; and by her four sisters: Cordelia Allain, Gladys Fecteau, Grace LaFlam and Theresa Smith.

Funeral services were held on June 18 in North Troy. Interment followed in St. Isadore Cemetery in Montgomery Center.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the oncology department at North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont, 05855, in loving memory of her son.

Richard W. B. Jesser, a summer resident of Barton and Westmore, died on December 17, 2011, in the University Medical Center of Princeton, New Jersey, after a brief but devastating illness.

He was born in 1927, in New York, New York, the third son of Arthur Edward Jesser and Vera Benn Jesser. He grew up in Hackensack, New Jersey.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy pilot training programs and was sent to Union College in Schenectady, New York, receiving a degree in civil engineering followed by a master’s at Harvard University. A professional engineer, he was a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

In 1959, he married Sallie Willis of Princeton, and soon after traveled to Jordan and from there to Bolivia. Ten years later he returned to Princeton with his wife and three children and continued his engineering career on numerous projects in the United States as well as abroad. He was well known to local officials as he worked to make his towns safe and efficient.

He was a member of Nassua Presbyterian Church; the Community Church of Westmore, where he was married; the Old Guard of Princeton; the Contract Bridge League; and the Princeton Middle East Society.

An avid skier, having met his wife in the Montclair, New Jersey, ski club, he had the opportunity to ski in the United States and many other countries of the world. A skilled sailor, he cruised with his family and on many charters with the Princeton Ski and Sail club. His tennis skills peaked in 1961 when he and his Canadian partner won the men’s doubles championship of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The time he spent working in Africa, Europe, and North, South and Central America gave him a truly global point of view and sensitivity to the needs and problems of people everywhere. He was a devoted father, designing and building a home for them in Princeton and following their careers and those of his grandchildren with interest.

He is survived by his wife, Sallie; his children: his son Richard Jr. and wife, Christine, of Eugene, Oregon; Vera Lawson and her husband, Army Chaplain Kenneth Lawson; and Nancy Jesser and her husband, Hugh Urban, both of the University of Ohio at Columbus; and by seven grandchildren.

A committal service will be held on Thursday, June 28 at noon in the Lakeview Cemetery in Westmore.

Contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Maurice Hugh Phillips

Maurice Phillips, 90, of North Troy and Newport died peacefully on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Starr Farm Nursing Center in Burlington.

He was born in North Troy on February 13, 1922.

He joined the war effort in 1944. In August of that year, he married his sweetheart of several years, Beatrice Ball of Bristol. He proudly served in the sixty-third infantry division, blood and fire. He was stationed in Germany and awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

He was employed for many years at Columbia Forest Products as an engineer, retiring in 1986.

He was a deacon of the Congregational Church in North Troy and a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge #16 of Troy.

Mr. Phillips was a quiet, fun-loving, caring man, a wonderful father, supportive husband and loyal friend. A gentle soul who touched many lives, he lived his life with integrity. His family meant a great deal to him. Annual family camping trips were a highlight of every summer.

He had a passion for landscape painting that became more than a hobby after he retired. He exhibited in local venues and his work was enjoyed by many.

An avid hunter from his youth, he never missed a season at Wenlock Hunting Camp.

Upon his move to Newport in 2009, he became very active in the Association for the Blind, enjoying many new friendships and activities.

He is survived by five children: Hazel and John Hong of Colchester, Fred and Marianne Phillips of Huntsville, Alabama, Nancy and William Nash of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, Diana and Peter Poulin of Newport, and Hope Ann and Ken Ferris of Montpelier; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice Ball.

A celebration of his life was held in North Troy on June 15.

Donations in honor of his life may be given to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at VABVI Development Office, 60 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington, Vermont 05403; or to the First Congregational Church, Main Street, North Troy, Vermont 05859.

He was born in Newport on September 12, 1952, a son of Ruth (Mackey) and Harry Sargent Sr. He lived all of his life in the area and enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching wrestling, and working on cars and just about anything mechanical. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.

He worked at LaBranche Lumber in Coventry, formerly Drown’s Lumber, for over 15 years.

He was a very devoted dad and grandfather.

He is survived by his children: Amanda Farley and her husband, John, of North Troy, Jesse Sargent and Tiffany Prive of Coventry, Charla Nadeau of Island Pond, and Alana Sargent of Newport; his grandchildren: Christian Gregoire Jr., Caleb and Alexis Farley, Gabriel, Jaiden and Isabella Sargent, Jordan Sargent, and Abigail and Sarah Nadeau; his sisters: Betty Sargent, Shirley Sargent and Nancy Pray; his niece Megan Gero; his nephew Brian Pray; and by his ex-wife Cathy Fortin and her husband, Andre. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Linda Carroll; his brother Leo; and by his granddaughter Courtney Sargent-Ming.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, in Newport, with interment to follow in the Coventry Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Amanda Farley, 142 Pine Street, North Troy, Vermont 05859.

He was born on October 19, 1921, in Lowell to Ethel Hoadley Sheltra and Alphis Sheltra.

He attended schools in Lowell. On July 26, 1941, he married Arlene Taylor in Newport Town. They were married for 65 years when she predeceased him on October 23, 2006.

He was a devoted and loving husband, committed to her daily care for the several months while she was in a nursing home.

He honorably served his country and the world, when he joined the Navy’s infamous Construction Battalion or “SeaBees” on July 20, 1944, in Newport. His service in the Pacific earned him the World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 6, 1946.

In 1948 he moved his family to southern Vermont where he was employed as a herdsman at Poly Meadows in Shaftsbury. He was a herdsman and manager at Beaver Brook Farm in Wilmington, and a herdsman and manager of the Brattleboro Retreat Farm from 1961 to 1989, where he semi-retired in November of 1989; he continued on a part-time basis. He enjoyed volunteering at Linden Lodge Nursing Home, where he served as bus driver for the residents, drove them for hay rides in the farms wagon, and he occasionally volunteered for bingo at the home.

The Sheltras purchased a home in Guilford and moved there after retiring. Three years later they purchased a home at 117 Fuller Drive and returned to Brattleboro.

His Masonic orders were Brattleboro Lodge #102 and Scottish Rites where he served as Past Thrice Potent Master of Webster Lodge of Perfection; Past Sovereign Prince of William Vinton Council; and Past Most Wise Master of Marsh O. Perkins Chapter of Rose Croix.

He was a thirty-second degree Mason and received the Meritorious Service Award in June of 1983 in Burlington.

He is survived by two of his three children: Sharon Adams and her husband, Bill, of Wilmington, and Douglas Sheltra and his wife, Doreen, of Guilford; eight grandchildren: Gregory and his wife, Brenda, Christopher (Kip) and Tina, Steven and his wife, Amy, all of Wilmington, and Jill of Stratton, Melissa Bacon of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, Heidi Sheltra and Mark of Cavendish, and Sarah Stockwell and her husband, Fred, of Putney, and Rose of Guilford; 15 great-grandchildren: Tessa, Kevin, Lauren, Ryan, Olivia, Charlotte, Jacob, Cooper, Tyler, Alex, Anna, Katie, Sophie, Kyliegh, and Eli; and by one great-great-grandson Emmett. He was predeceased by a son, Bradley, who died in 1961 at 2-1/2 years of age.

Funeral services were held on June 16 in Newport. Internment followed at Mountain View Cemetery in Lowell. A celebration of his life was held on June 17 in Wilmington.

Sylvio J. Williams, 91, of Brownington died on Friday, June 15, 2012, in Newport.

He was born on April 2, 1921, in Irasburg, a son of Joseph and Laura (Paquette) Williams.

Mr. Williams was a veteran of World War II. During his lifetime, he was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railroad and after his retirement from the railroad he was a custodian for U.S. Customs in North Troy. More recently he was a security officer in Tampa, Florida.

He held memberships with the American Legion Post #21 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798, both of Newport. He was also a Knights of Columbus third and fourth degree Gibbons Council member. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, helping his family and traveling all over the United States.

He is survived by his children: Armand Williams of Morrisville, and Theresa Mason and her husband, Brian, of Derby; his grandchildren: Jill Chase and her husband, Ryan, of Morrisville, Jennifer Kinney and her husband, Kevin, of Derby, and Heather Mason of Derby; his great-grandchildren: Alex and Gracie Chase, Tisha Bailey, Mya Bailey; his stepgreat-granddaughter Madison Kinney; his sister Jeanne Poulin of Newport; his special close friend Beverly Lamere of Brownington; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers: Andre and Germain.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 22, at the Brownington Center Cemetery with full military honors.

Committal services for Valmore Routhier will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

Marilyn Page

Graveside services for Marilyn Page will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

Rachel M. Couture

Funeral services for Rachel M. Couture will be held on Saturday, June 30, at 10 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. Internment will be at a later date in St. Henry’s Cemetery in Aurora, Kentucky.